After struggling last season with injuries in both knees and undergoing multiple off-season surgeries, All-American point guard Ronald Steele has opted to take a medical redshirt for the 2007-08 season.

In a statement released by the University of Alabama on Monday, Steele said he came to the decision to sit out the upcoming season after consulting with team doctors as well as the Alabama coaching staff.

"I am someone who tries to approach whatever I do with my best effort, and I know my body. At this point in time, I don't believe I will be 100 percent by the start of practice," said Steele. "This is something I've put a lot of thought and prayer into. I want to play my best and play an entire season and know I've done everything I can on the court to help Alabama win.

After missing several games in his junior season due to nagging knee injuries, Steele underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both his left and right knees on April 3 and a follow-up procedure on his left knee on August 23.